⚖️ Comparisons

Maldives vs Seychelles: Which Indian Ocean Paradise? (2026)

Maldives and Seychelles are two of the world's most photographed beach destinations — crystal lagoons, overwater bungalows, and some of the finest snorkelling on Earth. Both have uncomplicated entry systems. The Maldives offers free visa on arrival; the Seychelles charges $10 for a Travel Authorization. But beyond the paperwork, what's the real difference?

Maldives eVisa

9.4

Free gov. fee

Apply for Maldives eVisa

Seychelles Travel Authorization

8.9

Gov. fee $10

Apply for Seychelles Travel Authorization

Behind this comparison

This comparison is based on official government data for both Maldives eVisa and Seychelles Travel Authorization, supplemented by application experience data from our traveller feedback network. Processing times reflect medians from 8 data points collected over the past 6 months. Fees are based on published government rates as of April 2026. Where fees vary by nationality, we show the most common rate for English-speaking market applicants. Always check the current fee on the official government portal before applying.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Maldives eVisa	Seychelles Travel Authorization
Entry requirement	Free visa on arrival	Travel Authorization ($10)
Processing time	Immediate on arrival	24–72 hours online
Maximum stay	30 days (extendable to 90)	90 days
Number of islands	1,200 islands/atolls	115 islands
UNESCO Heritage	None	Aldabra Atoll, Vallée de Mai
Marine life	Manta rays, whale sharks, reef fish	Sea turtles, whale sharks, dugongs
Budget options	Very limited	Limited but more than Maldives

Our Verdict

Maldives eVisa

Choose the Maldives for pure overwater-bungalow luxury, unbeatable house reef snorkelling, and the most iconic sunrise-over-turquoise-water experience on Earth. Budget travel is very limited.

Apply for Maldives eVisa

Our Pick

Seychelles Travel Authorization

Choose Seychelles for the unique combination of granite boulder beaches (impossible anywhere else), giant tortoises, UNESCO jungle, and more island diversity — from Mahé's capital to remote Desroches.

Apply for Seychelles Travel Authorization

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more expensive: Maldives or Seychelles?+

Both are expensive. The Maldives can be extreme — resort islands are often all-inclusive with private water villas starting at $500+/night. Budget options on local islands (like Maafushi) exist but are limited. Seychelles is expensive too, but guesthouses on Praslin and La Digue offer more affordable options than Maldives resort islands.

Can I do both Maldives and Seychelles in one trip?+

It's possible but requires careful routing. There are no direct flights between the two destinations. The most efficient route connects via Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Nairobi. Most travellers choose one destination per trip unless they have an extended period available.